In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments to these regulations will be held no earlier than 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia. Public comments on the proposals should be provided to Robert L. O’Reilly, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 25, 2019.

The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization and economic stability for this resource.

II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-740-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Snagging of Fish”
Note: this item regarding possible rules on
"towing of fish" will no longer be heard at the 2/26/19 Commission meeting; it
will be readvertised for the March meeting.

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-740-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Snagging of Fish,” to include a prohibition on the towing of cobia and striped bass.

The purpose of this amendment is to promote an avoidance of towing injuries and mortalities to cobia and striped bass in Virginia waters.

VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE ELLEN BOLEN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (757-247-2269) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.